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For many marketers, it’s hard to remember a time before social media. Today we design Instagram Story templates and draft Facebook ad copy like it’s second nature. Something that barely existed a decade ago has become an integral part of our daily operations. But how did it come to represent such a large portion of marketing efforts?Choosing Your Brand’s Best Social Media Channels

Gone are the days that marketers can broadcast the same message across three social media platforms and expect a positive consumer response. The best channels connect you with your brand champions and allow you to represent your brand voice accurately. So Choosing Your Brand’s Best Social Media Channels how do you cut the fat and choose the best social media marketing channels for your brand? This answer won’t surprise most you: research, analytics, and data hold the keys to optimizing your social media presence. In other words, strategy.

The evolution of social media marketing

Choosing Your Brand’s Best Social Media Channels

In its early years, social media was mostly uncharted territory. KPIs were simple metrics like gaining followers or driving more web traffic. Now, many agencies consider these “vanity metrics” because they look good on paper without actually giving much insight into the audience’s experience. As more and more marketers turned to social media to promote their brands, these metrics lost a lot of their potency.

For example, Facebook engagement on posts—likes, comments, and shares—has declined by up to 20% in just the last two years. Is that because fewer people are following their favorite brands? Not necessarily. As Janet Aronica explains in a recent Hubspot blog, “The more that companies post content on Facebook, the more newsfeeds need to share their space, and the less users see and consume from any one company.” So it may be that, while your content is just as engaging as it’s always been, the odds of people seeing it have gone down.

Choosing Your Brand’s Best Social Media Channels With the meteoric rise of TikTok in the mainstream and increasing legal troubles with established social media giants like Facebook and Instagram, many marketers are scrambling to readjust their social media marketing strategies. For many, it’s a simple case of seeing something new and shiny and feeling compelled to jump on it. As a result, a lot of brands are pouring time and energy into channels that just aren’t going to result in any meaningful traffic.

Users are changing social media marketing

Today’s audiences are smarter when it comes to social media advertising, and brands are being forced to discover new ways to gain traction. From Kind’s first viral TikTok challenge to Twitter’s strategic announcement that they won’t be running political ads, everybody is trying to get a piece of the social media pie. And with an estimated 2.65 billion people using at least one of the popular platforms, it’s a sizeable pie. That number continues to grow, with experts predicting we’ll top 3 billion users by the end of 2021.

But just because users are on social media networks doesn’t mean they care about what your brand has to say on there. In fact, according to a recent study commissioned by Sprout Survey, perception of social advertising has either stagnated or declined in recent years. That doesn’t mean it’s time to throw out your social media marketing baby with the metaphorical bathwater.Choosing Your Brand’s Best Social Media Channels It just means it’s time to be more intentional than ever before.

Why? Because social media advertising still works. As SurveyMonkey reports, “On Facebook, for example, as many as 51% of users admit to having clicked on an ad. They even influence consumers’ purchasing decisions. Nearly half of social media users (48%) have bought something after seeing an ad. A number that increases to 53% and 56% for millennials and women, respectively.”

So, what do we mean by social media channels?

Just like t.v. channels, social media channels are different platforms run by different companies that offer different experiences in the social world. From the educational, informational, and personal emphasis of Facebook to Instagram’s picture-driven aesthetics, and the temporary content of Snapchat, each channel has a unique purpose and unique audience. So how do you choose your best channel? We recommend you start by educating yourself about the pros, cons, and demographics of each.

The big hitters

Of course, not all channels are created equal. Though they come and go—sorry, Myspace—several big hitters show no signs of stopping or slowing down.

Facebook

Many businesses consider Facebook the crux of their social media strategy. And with a user base bigger than the population of many countries, there’s good reason. Founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes, the company’s origin story has taken on nearly mythic proportions. In the third quarter of 2019, Facebook claimed 2.45 billion users. 74% of those users log in daily, and over half admit that they check their accounts multiple times each day.

However, it’s essential to note that algorithms frequently change the way that material on Facebook reaches audiences. Plus, according to Hootsuite, many social media users (Facebook users in particular) are skeptical of self-promotion, paid advertising, and posting engagement bait. If Facebook is your primary social media marketing channel, we recommend fully leveraging high-quality organic material to create conversations and gain traction in the Facebook community.

Instagram

Instagram may belong to Facebook now, but it’s still got a unique vibe. After it recruited over a million users within two months of launching, many heralded Instagram as one of the largest growing social sharing platforms. The picture-driven social network is all about aesthetics. It’s a predominantly visual platform that requires custom images and videos for brands to compete. Recent additions to the channel include IGTV, and Instagram Stories, which are changing the social media landscape in fascinating ways. These features make Instagram a confluence of YouTube and Snapchat, while still staying uniquely Instagram.

With a billion or so users every month—and 500 million people logging in each day to watch Stories—it’s clear Instagram has the reach markets are looking for. That may account for why over 75% of businesses have an Instagram account that they update regularly. According to Forbes, Instagram is an essential part of building your brand’s visual presence. Through image-editing, filters, stickers, and more, you can broadcast your brand’s voice to interested audiences.

Twitter

It might not feel like much gets said in 280 characters, but Twitter gives brands a voice that carries. When used correctly, it provides companies an authentic and engaging way to connect with their customers. Wendy’s, for example, has gone viral on more than one occasion with their Twitter persona’s sassy clap-backs. General Electric, on the other hand, uses its Twitter channel to demonstrate thought leadership and authenticity. They regularly use Twitter to educate their followers, breaking down complex concepts using simple language.

With 145 million daily Twitter users, this channel has a smaller audience than many. But regular users are deeply engaged, especially when it comes to politics and news. Many consider Twitter the great equalizer—it’s one of the only social networks where people can connect directly with celebrities and companies (or at least their social media marketing teams).

LinkedIn

As the hub of industry-related news, LinkedIn is an excellent option for B2B communications, entrepreneurs, and brands looking to expand their professional networks. Your LinkedIn followers will expect a higher caliber of information than those on many other social channels. The most valuable content appeals both to your business peers and potential customers. It’s also the top-rated social site for lead generation.

YouTube

As the largest video sharing platform around, YouTube is more than just the haunt of influencers and brand ambassadors. It’s where 1.9 billion active users go to watch 1 billion hours of videos every day. As video continues to play a crucial role in the evolution of brand visibility, YouTube could become an even more important social media channel for many brand’s strategies.

Getting off the beaten path

Though the social media channels listed above represent a significant chunk of the market, there are plenty of older staples and rising stars that round out the field.

Pinterest

As one of the original DIY sites, Pinterest is where people go looking for inspiration. Users create boards full of Pins, which consist of images, videos, and links based on their interests. With 200 million monthly viewers, it’s not a social media giant like Facebook. But it does boast a devoted (even fanatical) userbase known as “Pinners.”

Pinterest offers an excellent opportunity for brands to show their products in action. Chobani, for example, has a board called Cooking with Chobani where people can pin their favorite recipes—from creamy french toast to savory mac and cheese.

Snapchat

Looking for a way to connect with young consumers? Snapchat might be your best social media channel. Over 100 million people use it daily, and the most active users are young adults ages 18-24. Of course, this demographic has a notoriously low threshold for advertising. Send too many snaps—or too many promotional snaps—and your followers might hit the unfollow button.

Instead, successful brands are using Snapchat to reward followers with coupons, product sneak peeks, and exclusive competitions. Branded hashtags and hashtag challenges are also a great way to generate brand awareness and encourage user-generated content.

TikTok

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention TikTok, the newest social media channel to hit the scene. According to Oberlo, “TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms in the world which presents an alternative version of online sharing. It allows users to create short videos with music, filters, and some other features.” Since its launch in 2016, TikTok has accrued over 500 million active users. On average, those users spend 52 minutes on the app each day.

Choosing your best social media channels

If you feel like you’re overwhelmed by choices, or daunted by the work that goes into maintaining multiple social media channels, it may be time to pare down your strategy and pick the channels that work best for your brand. And that means figuring out who your target audience is, finding the channels that align with your brand values, and sticking to your social media goals.

Finding your target audience

Are you trying to connect with middle-aged parents or Gen-Z athletes? Retirees or recent college graduates? Different demographics find value in different social media channels. Discovering where your ideal audience spends their time online is the first step to establishing your social media channels. One way to get this information is through competitor research. Where are your top three competitors connecting with their audiences? And how can you authentically leverage those same platforms?

Align with your brand and industry values

Is your brand visually-appealing and product-driven? Instagram gives you a digital space to display the goods. Is your industry all about connecting with and educating customers? Twitter’s interactivity could be a boon to your business. Weighing the value of each social media channel, and comparing it to your brand’s values, will help you hone your strategy.

Stick to your social media goals

Finding the right social channel is easiest when you remember—and stick to—your original social media goals. Are you trying to raise brand awareness, both online and off, or just create more avenues to provide high-quality customer service? Do you want your brand to be the center of the conversation or a conversation leader? Having goals and sticking to them will keep you grounded in the appropriate channels, even when you’re tempted to hitch your wagon to the next social media rising star.

Focus on relationships, not sales

Above all else, your social media channels should be just that: social. They’re a way to meet your audience where they are. Regardless of the channels you choose, your audience is looking for authentic content that provides value. With that at the center of your strategy, you’ll be well on your way to finding your best social media channels.

In the past few decades, branding has gone through some wild trends. In a considerable swing from traditional advertising in the ’80s and ‘90s––from print media to billboards––brands at the dawn of a new century embraced the digital age.2020 Branding : What to Expect in the New year

It’s officially the time of year where everyone rethinks past choices and makes commitments for their future. Maybe for you, that means switching up your diet or your career. For brands, a new year can mean a suite of new trends, best practices, and new mediums. If you hold a role in the marketing industry, keeping up with 2020 branding trends is literally your job.

It also means that you position your company to crush it in the new year (and, hello, new decade) ahead. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite trends in action and what to expect in 2020.

A look back on marketing trends

2020 Branding : What to Expect in the New year

Since then, we’ve seen the rise of digital branding, for which marketers use “SEO, SEM, email marketing, social media, and web design to keep up with competitors.” Companies are now no longer solely brick and mortars. Often, they don’t even have a physical address. But the Internet did more than give small business owners some freedom. It opened an avenue for marketers to send email campaigns, banner ads, and pop up ads. This “goldmine” of services began as early as 1994 with search engines like Yahoo and Google providing platforms previously unthought of.

You can’t have the digital age without digital information. Big data was, and is, a game-changer for brands. It “made it possible to track patterns and trends of human behavior” in real-time. With predictive analysis, you can track your brand’s results and consumer’s reactions to marketing almost as quickly as you can get it out the door (or click send).

The digital age also opened up the playing field for smartphones and social media––arguably two of the most disruptive inventions to date. When Apple released its first iPhone in 2007, the marketing world moved “into our pockets.”

Trends to look out for

Now, on the brink of another decade, the digital age continues to influence branding trends and how we connect with our audience. Consumers today expect more, expect it sooner, and are more discerning than ever. In other words, you not only have to have the right message, but also the right timing and placement.

That said, the 2020 branding trends might make this the best decade for branding yet. With more personalization, more authentic content, and brands embracing tech, the future of branding is already here.

The switch to social media wellness

It’s worth noting that social media’s pervasiveness is making users question their screen time. The new era of social media wellness is upon us, and brands that choose to ignore it will fall behind.

So what does it mean? According to HubSpot’s and TalkWalker’s Social Media Trends for 2020, “the awareness of the impact of social media on our mental health is increasing, with platforms changing their approach” to be less toxic. As a result of this awareness, users are decreasing online hours in what they’re calling a #DigitalDetox.

For marketers, less screen time from their users might seem counterproductive. In reality, it means that you’ve got less time to make more of an impact. Make it matter. This includes being “aware of your consumers’ social media wellbeing. Avoid toxicity and engage them with ways to escape.” It also means brands need to make a concerted effort to keep it private and real for their audience.

Keep it private

One of the main motivating factors behind digital detoxing is privacy and data concerns. Brands in the next decade and beyond will need to “balance a fine line between data privacy and personalization.” Done by protecting your consumers and not breaking their trust. With fake news and data breaches in recent news, making your brand one of the ones fighting for consumers is in your best interest.

Keep it real

On that note, consumers are looking for brands that are human, raw, and authentic. Edelman’s 2019 Trust Barometer showed that “only 34% of consumers trust brands they buy from.” Making your brand authentic means cutting back (or cutting out) heavily photoshopped images and ads, exaggerating certain product qualities, and being open about how you source your materials. If you need more statistics, 90% of millennials “prefer real and organic brands” over those perfectly packaged. Being authentic is leaps and bounds beyond being perfect.

AR, VR, and AI

While it might seem to contradict keeping your brand real, augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence are on the rise. But tech and authenticity don’t necessarily have to be at odds with each other. According to a Forbes article, “AI and machine learning are changing how consumers interact with devices, appliances, and wearable tech.” Examples like voice automation and wearable tech open up brand avenues that you might not have considered before.

Besides all being acronyms, AR, VR, and AI have a lot in common. They are all byproducts of the digital age and technological advances. They also all make content immersive and engaging. While they each continue to grow, recent statistics seem to imply that augmented reality will be the clear frontrunner in 2020. A study found that “by 2020 there will be more than a billion users who will use AR applications,” adding to a market projected to go beyond $215 billion. The argument for augmented reality is that it seamlessly connects with the real world, whereas virtual reality takes a user away from the world and does not allow for as much social engagement.

Artificial is the new intelligence

Artificial intelligence, of course, is the backbone of data gathering in the digital world. Although there is no singular definition to AI, it’s most commonly described as a “computer system able to perform tasks that ordinarily require human intelligence” powered by machine learning and deep learning. The most recognizable examples are Siri, Alexa, Tesla, and Amazon. For marketers, this carries over into more personalized and targeted ads and getting the right products in front of the right people.

Personal connection

One trend that will not be going anywhere for the new year is personalization. When your audience has a personal and emotional connection with their brand––and when they feel like a person, not a number––they are more likely to be loyal advocates. And loyal customers “spend ten times more with your business than new ones.”

The trick to this customization and connection is that there is no trick. Your brand has to be authentic and to seek out relationships where they might naturally occur. When you force your brand onto a consumer, you lose their interest. Some ways to build this connection naturally are understanding your target audience, creating a community, and engaging in experiential marketing.

Hit the target

To reach your audience, you have to understand them. What do they like? What are their habits? Which things bring them joy, sadness, and everything in between? Establishing your target is where you can “rely on data insights and analytics rather than blindly guessing.” It is also where you should use your brand instinct and voice to enter the conversation where it makes sense.

Create a community

If you do a quick Internet search on anything (like teacup pigs or planking) there is likely a community attached to it. You could establish this through forums, polls, and apps, or any social networking group page. But it might also be doable or important for your brand to make these gatherings in-person events (a conference or festival maybe).

Make it an experience

Brands today need to be an authentic, immersive experience. When you bring people together and market through lived experiences, you create meaningful moments that turn into tangible brand connections. The priceless kind.

Influencers and branded visual content

Influencers have gained traction in the last few years, especially on visual-forward platforms like Instagram and YouTube. When partnering with a micro-influencer, you can reach niche audiences. What’s more, if you do your research, the person you choose has “already established themselves as an authority in their field and have an army of followers and engaged audience.”

Sometimes, these brand connections can lead to some incredible pieces of content––directly from your audience. With influencers and user-generated content (UGC), you have an opportunity to reach audiences that you might not have considered.

UGC is also a big one that shows no signs of stopping. With the uptick of UGC apps like TikTok, this is a gold mine for brands. And it goes back to the social wellness trend. Users are tired of branded content and do not want to feel as if you’re marketing to them. Apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are chock full of UGC. On YouTube alone, videos with UGC content have ten times the views than their branded counterparts.

A simple way to dip your toes into this trend is “to ask your fans and customers to submit content as part of a competition or giveaway.” You get free content, and they (potentially) get free stuff. Competitions like this can increase exposure and followers––like with RYU’s campaign, which generated over 32,000 posts and increased their followers to 20,000.

Staying woke

Perhaps one of the most critical trends carrying into 2020 are brands that are socially and politically conscious. In other words, woke. Essentially this is about making your goals go beyond profits. If your brand doesn’t stand for something, it stands to lose its reputation.

Having a social conscious as a brand should saturate every aspect of your company. From your sourcing to your messaging to the product itself. Consumers today want to support brands that are “intentional about diversity, inclusion, and opportunity.” A trend to stay away from? Woke-washing. Which refers to brands “cashing in” on pieces of cultural importance. Don’t just act like you care.

Simple is best

The most overarching, timeless trend is simplicity. Less flash, more finesse. Fewer words, more meaning. You get the idea. A Harvard Business Review piece found that “by simplifying customer experience in a complex world, these brands win customer loyalty.”

The top simple brands of 2015 included Google, Netflix, Amazon, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Burger King. Each year, Siegel+Gale releases a “World’s Simplest Brands” list that shows, year after year, that simple brands perform better and make more money. The percentages speak volumes. 55% of consumers are willing to pay for simpler brand experiences. Plus, 64% of consumers are more loyal to and more likely to recommend a brand that “provides simpler experiences and communications.”

For 2018-2019, the top five simple brands in the U.S were Lyft, Spotify, Amazon, Costco, and Subway––quite a switch from 2015 with only Amazon keeping a top spot. Their website sums it up best: “industry trends ebb and flow, one fact remains––simplicity pays.”

Brands ahead of the curve

Often these best brand practices and trends are easier said than done. But some brands have been making practice perfect well ahead of the curve. Here are some of our favorites.

REI (social wellness)

Social media wellness has had a relatively slow build-up, but one of the first brands to acknowledge it was REI with their #OptOutside campaign. As more stores joined the Black Friday frenzy, REI decided to close their doors and, instead, pay their “13,000+ employees to #OptOutside and make a difference.” They not only gave consumers a much-needed break from the social and shopping madness, but they fully aligned with their brand commitment to “fight for life outdoors.”

Ikea (augmented reality)

Augmented reality has dozens of applications, but making things simpler for consumers is arguably the biggest. Ikea created an app called Ikea Place that “allows users to place virtual Ikea furniture into their own home to see how everything might look once assembled.” The 3D renderings are said to be 98% accurate and help users visualize how the products could fit into their own life.

P&G (personal connection)

Often when brands use real people or real stories, they can better create a personal connection. A shining example of this is P&G’s “Thank You, Mom” campaign for the 2010 Olympics. In it, P&G celebrated the athletes’ mom and “acknowledged a mom’s rightful place in these Games.” They took this further and ended with the tagline: “P&G, Proud sponsor of moms.”

Blue Apron (influencers)

Blue Apron has a product that is all about connection: food. Their influencer work––notably with bloggers Love Taza and Fannetastic Food––included simple reviews and the brand responding in kind by linking to the bloggers and giving the first 100 readers two free meals. The campaign resulted in a social reach of 577 million and 81 million blog impressions, which worked with the brand’s goal for connection through food.

Airbnb (staying woke)

After the 2017 ban on refugees and immigrants, Airbnb created a Super Bowl ad called “We Accept” that featured men and women of different races and religions. They paired this with their goal “to provide short-term housing for 100,000 people ‘in need’ over the next five years.”

Always (simplicity)

Always’ “Like a Girl” spot was minimalist and powerful. Its elements included “a stage, a camera crew, and a clever idea” to get across the idea that ‘doing something like a girl’ was not a bad or negative thing. The brand, which has advertised female empowerment since its inception, continued to do so with this simple message.

A new decade of branding

While it’s true that trends come and go, some are here to stay. And others, however fleeting, might just mean the next big thing for your brand’s marketing strategy. The through line with the trends going into the next decade is authenticity. Be true to your brand, make meaningful connections, and create ads that contribute positively to your audience and society. Cheers.

Brand Consistency and How Can You Achieve It? However, it would be a big mistake to think consistency is achieved simply by slapping a logo throughout your social channels and collateral. Visual branding is important. But so is your copy, tone, context, and audience. At its most basic, “brand consistency is the delivery of brand messaging in line with the brand identity, values, and strategy over time.” We know, easier said than done.

Brands are dynamic, developing things. For those in marketing, brand consistency is the end-all-be-all. If you can achieve a streamlined look, feel, and essence, you are doing something right.

Brand Consistency and How Can You Achieve It?

Consistency is not an exact science, but there are some elements that you can perfect to make your brand stand together so it can stand out. We’ve done the research to help you get started.

Why consistency is so important

Each year, BrandZ releases its list of the top 100 most valuable global brands. The sheer amount of brands that they include in their list gives some indication of the overall number. The point: there are countless brands out there. Some are good, some are bad. Some of them are not worth mentioning, and others are doing something right enough to make the list.

One of the vital factors that separate the brands from the brand-nots is consistency.

A recent Forbes article put it this way: “Branding is the key to differentiating yourself from the competition, but if you don’t build your brand promise around reality or consistently live up to it, your branding efforts are pointless.” Most marketers and brand executives know that branding is essential. Yet, most marketers and executives are not putting in the effort to make their brand consistent across their channels. With so much competition, brands cannot afford to be inconsistent.

Setting your brand apart

Setting your brand apart is more than having a great idea. It’s about building trust for your consumers and being authentic. Not to mention making sure each touchpoint resonates clearly with your brand image, voice, and messaging.

Let’s put it another way: the more inconsistent your brand is, the more jarring to your audience and potential customers. Imagine you own a pet supply company. Maybe you hired an agency to build your website and design your collateral. You have your colors, images, and imagery nailed down. When people transition from clicking their orders to visiting a store, they feel the experience is seamless. But let’s also say that, after a while, you become lazy with your marketing and social posting. You begin to use stock images that don’t match with the carefully curated themes you had in place, and your social posts consist of random messages and memes.

We probably don’t need to tell you that customers that were loyal because of your original brand cohesiveness will quickly become frustrated with the change. A current statistic shows “the average revenue increase attributed to always presenting your brand consistently is 23%.” There’s even evidence that psychology is at play here. Our brains look for patterns and regularities, and the lack thereof can lead to brand disparity that’s too large a gap to cross.

Example of brands that got it right

Sometimes it helps to see an example of living, breathing brands doing this correctly. We’ve chosen three examples across different industries that are keeping it consistent––with brands that thrive as a result.

Example 1: Lego

An AdWeek article attributes much of Lego’s long-term success to when they opened their market and products to include a female audience. In doing so, Lego adapted its timeless themes of play, building, lifestyles, and relationships “to change with the times and broaden its market.” Another critical point of the AdWeek piece is its analysis of two Lego ads with over 35 years between them. What the authors found? Very little notable difference, except for the little girl in the 2013 ad. On a more concrete (or polymer) level, Legos’ product has remained virtually unchanged since the first modern Lego block was developed in 1958. Despite timely playsets, like the Friends line, the fundamental components have remained consistent, which has allowed users to identify strongly with the brand––sometimes into adulthood.

Example 2: Planet Fitness

Love it or hate it, Planet Fitness is an instantly recognizable brand that is consistent across its 1,500 locations. Each franchise embraces the same “judgment-free philosophy and the discount business model” as the original location. This overarching philosophy helped to make the business transferable in different states, with different demographics, and for various members.

Planet Fitness’ congruent messaging goes beyond their physical locations. In 2017, the brand turned 25 and used their “Judgement Free Zone” messaging outside of the gym with an “on-air event called the ‘Be Free Awards.’” These awards (shaped in their recognizable thumbs up) celebrated people who “live judgment-free lifestyles.” It’s the perfect example of a brand that truly embraces their messaging across all platforms to form a cohesive, memorable brand.

Example 3: Apple

Apple is a powerhouse of a brand. The company is consistently at the top of brand value lists, and currently ranks number two on BrandZ’s 2019 Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands. Brand value does not always mean brand consistency, but in this case, it does.

As one article put it, “Apple’s iconic branding strategy has always focused on emotion,” fueled in part by the legendary Steve Jobs. Apple’s “1984” Super Bowl XVIII spot shook the industry with its dystopian, rebellious imagery and copy. The TV spot introduced the new original Macintosh computer, but it also set the tone for all of Apple’s marketing since.

In 1997, Apple’s “Think Different” campaign continued to play on its users’ emotions by indicating that it took a different type of person to use their products. The subsequent ads like “Here’s to the Crazy Ones” spoke directly to Apple’s core audience: those who are “crazy enough to think they can change the world and are the ones who do.” Apple’s cutting-edge messaging and products have remained consistent from the get-go.

Despite Apple’s product evolutions, the innovation, vision, and even primary logo have remained consistent and recognizable to the brand. AdAge describes it well, “Apple communicates with its customers through its hardware, software, and retail stores to deliver one consistent narrative or ecosystem.” Walk into any Apple store or use any Apple product, and the experience remains the same. Even individual products have compatible apps that work seamlessly together for users. This consistency has its basis in human connection and an individual’s ability to think differently.

How to achieve brand consistency

So you’ve seen how it works in the real world, but how do you achieve brand consistency? Solid brand identity and brand strategy are great places to start. Brand identity comes from the following brand elements: visuals, copy, tone, context, and audience.

Brand visuals

Your brandvisuals can range from your logo, colors, images, graphics, typography, and product design. Logos, for example, can often be instantly recognizable vessels for your brand messaging (all it takes is an iconic Nike swoosh to inspire athletes). After you’ve curated these elements, it’s essential to keep them consistent throughout your website, collateral, and social where relevant. Brands like Casper and Airbnb do this well, keeping with the same feel across their many brand elements.

Brand tone

Brand tone (or voice) goes beyond your copy into how you say something. Is your brand rebellious like Apple, approachable like Planet Fitness, or playful like Lego? Deciding what your tone is helps you develop consistent copy across digital and physical iterations of your brand and “helps to humanize your brand.” For example, if your tone has been sarcastic and humorous, and you suddenly try to be serious, your brand identity is at risk.

Context

Context refers to “the times, places, and moments when a message will resonate best.” When you spend time curating your brand identity, your message can fall flat if you don’t consider the context. Think about Apple again for a moment. It would seem strange for them to announce a new iPhone in March instead of September and even more unusual if the announcement was littered with copy and imagery. Their approach is consistent and straightforward; their timing included.

Audience

It’s always worth asking: what is my brand audience? A simple way to develop this for your brand is by using a SWOT analysis, which stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Once you establish who you are talking to, it’s easier to keep your brand visuals, copy, and tone consistent.

A well-developed brand strategy can keep these elements cohesive for your brand. When you come up with a set of brand guidelines, it helps everyone from your executives to your marketing agency to your consumers to identify your brand. Basic guidelines can include your mission, fonts, social media examples, and the specific hex codes of your logo. As Thrive Hive says, “the more specific your brand guidelines, the more accurate consistent your brand assets can be.”

When it comes to marketing, we’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: an integrated campaign helps your brand stay seamless and consistent. After all, why would you spend all your effort making your brand’s elements work in unison, and forget to do the same when it comes to marketing? Consistency applies to everything.

Can a brand evolve and remain consistent?

Let’s say you followed the above elements for a consistent brand when you first launched, but it’s been twenty years, and you are overdue for a rebrand. Is it an oxymoron for a brand to evolve and keep a consistent brand identity? Not if there’s a focus on brand strategy and brand personality.

Some of the world’s most recognizable brands like McDonald’s, Target, and Walmart have evolved since their launches. Sometimes multiple times. But their core remains the same, and they keep enough elements untouched that the changes aren’t jarring. If your brand perception, emotions you elicit, brand trust, and product differentiation remain the same, then you can easily change other elements to evolve with the times.

The agency touch

Maintaining brand consistency is a full-time job. In the digital era especially, brands must be able to adapt while retaining their core values and messaging. Consumers strongly identify with brands that are cohesive across channels, translate from online to in-person experiences, and have continuity with their feel and tone. However, we know how difficult this can be in the changing brand landscape, so hiring an agency like Webberboss can help a brand stay consistent and united. Ultimately, consistent brands have consistent success

Does Your Brand Story Need a Loud Identity? We all deserve to be heard. And your sonic identity can help make your brand synonymous with the sounds your customers or clients will hear. How you make a sonic identity is a different story. And there’s plenty of industry-leaders that can teach us how to do it.

The human body has five basic senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing. In today’s world, companies are engaging these five senses like never before. But hearing is taking center stage. With people always on the move, things like trendy smart speakers, podcasts, and music streaming now play an instrumental role in the world of brand recognition. By brands telling their story through an auditory experience, they create a sonic identity that customers and clients can recognize the next time they hear it. But does every brand story need a sonic identity?

A brief history of sonic identity

Sonic branding has been around for a long time. The songs and jingles that make up your childhood are proof of that. Think of the sounds you remember: your mother singing you to sleep. A teacher calling your name in front of a classroom. A tv or radio jingle that you’ll never forget. These memories stand out, staying with us long after they’ve come to pass. For decades, global brands like Coca-Cola, Skype, and McDonald’s have used music to create their sonic identities. Even an insurance company like Nationwide has used the same “Nationwide is On Your Side” jingle for the last fifty years.

And there’s science behind the lasting power of audio. Music can evoke specific memories, taking us back to moments of joy, happiness, and comfort. When brands reach consumers on an emotional level through song, they’re also creating a sonic identity that could define them for years to come.

Sound examples of sonic branding

Think about the fizz of Alka-Seltzer, the reassuring Nationwide jingle, or the metallic clanging of Pixar’s now-famous lamp. What brands are right for the sonic industry? The answer: mostly, everyone.

Song and jingles

We’ve already mentioned how songs and jingles were the pioneers of sonic branding. But how are they evolving? Does Your Brand Story Need a Loud Identity? According to Forbes, more Americans than ever are watching content through streaming services rather than basic cable. That’s because they can binge-watch their shows faster and without commercials. Unfortunately, that means they’re less likely to watch your commercials and ads, which means they’re less likely to remember your brand. So how are brands reaching consumers with their advertisements? Podcasts and music streaming services.

With the podcast industry picking up steam year after year and music streaming services dominating our ear lobes, brand jingles have found new mediums. By pitching their brands in ads before or after our favorite podcasts or songs, sonic signatures are leaving their mark. Now, we don’t even have to hit the play button. All we have to do is ask.

Voice assistants

Do you remember the first time you heard Siri’s voice?

Almost immediately, the tech world associated the voice of Apple’s personal assistant with all of their products and became the brand’s sonic identity overnight. Now, hearing Siri’s voice come from something that’s not an Apple product might be considered blasphemous.

Soon after, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon all released their versions of personal assistants. Whether you’re asking Siri, Cortana, Google, or Alexa for some help, each one has become synonymous with their company’s brand or products. The personalized assistants each have their own voices and create an iconic sonic identity that brings brands to life before our ears.

Having a personal assistant may help us feel like we’re not alone, and are getting stuff done faster. But other brands are using music to reassure our financial well-being.

Credit cards connect with our emotions. what?

Credit card brands like Mastercard now have their own sonic identities, and according to Chief Marketing Officer, Raja Rajmannar, the brand is all about human connection. When asked to describe Mastercard’s sound logo, Rajmannar gave a lengthy response.

“The Mastercard sound logo is universal, it is unifying, it is inclusive, it is inspiring,” said Rajmannar. “It is memorable; it is pleasant, it is neutral, it is adaptable, it is versatile.”

That’s a lot of words to describe a jingle, but Mastercard put plenty of work into their unique sound. The credit card company even hired professional musicians like Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park to produce their new anthem. After an 18-month process searching for the sound, they landed on a tune that’s as adaptable as it is memorable.

Mastercard’s sonic identity is their signature touch and aims to provide customers with a sense of reassurance on every purchase. Their first-ever audio press release introduced audiences to various styles of the melody for different transactions around the world. Whether you’re in Mumbai, Bogota, or San Francisco, the melody stays the same but fits the place you’re in with a region’s familiar instruments and styles.

And with voice shopping expected to hit $40 billion worldwide by 2022, Rajmannar and his team are ready to soothe your ears with the swipe of a card. But how can your brand be prepared to have a sound of their own?

Contact a supper standard brand managing company and feel relax about the next step of your brand’s career.